A basic metal carport costs between $2,000 and $5,000 for a standard single-car unit. The final amount on your check depends on the size you need and your location. Also, keep in mind that this doesn’t include concrete if you decide to install a concrete slab under your carport.
That’s the short answer. The real answer is more complicated because nobody sells you just a carport. They sell you a carport, plus installation, plus concrete, plus upgrades you didn’t know existed until someone mentioned them.
Let’s talk about what you’re actually paying for.
What drives the price up or down
Three things control what you pay.
- More size, more metal, more money. A 12×20 carport for one compact car costs less than a 24×30 for two trucks. This isn’t a mystery. More steel costs more money.
- Metal costs more in certain locations. A carport in rural Texas might cost $3,000 installed. The same unit in California could hit $5,000 because labor costs more and permits are a headache.
- Roof style options. Regular roofs are the cheapest option. Vertical roofs cost more because they require extra framing and trim work. But vertical roofs shed water and snow better. Saving $400 now might cost you $1,200 in repairs later when your horizontal panels rust through.
Here’s what most people don’t understand. The carport itself is the cheap part. Everything around it adds up fast.
Site Preparation Costs
Your carport needs something solid to bolt down to. Dirt doesn’t count. Gravel doesn’t count. You need concrete.
Concrete slabs cost between $6 and $12 per square foot, depending on:
- Geographic location: Urban vs. rural pricing differences
- Site accessibility: Easy access vs. backyard installation
- Site preparation: Amount of dirt work required
- Thickness and strength: 4″ standard vs. 6″ enhanced
- Reinforcement: Basic mesh vs. rebar mats
- Finishing: Broom finish, smooth trowel, or decorative options
Cost calculation example:
- 30′ x 40′ slab = 1,200 square feet
- At $8 per square foot average
- Total concrete cost: $9,600
Most people hear “$3,000 carport” and think they’re done. Then they find out they need another $3,500 for concrete. Now you’re at $6,500 before you add sales tax.
If your lot isn’t level, add more money. Contractors charge extra to grade the site and haul away dirt. Some lots need fill dirt brought in. Every truckload costs you.
Some customers skip the concrete and anchor straight to dirt with rebar stakes. This works fine until the first big storm when your carport shifts three inches to the left. Then you pay to fix it anyway.
Financing the Cost
Most folks can’t write a check for $6,000 without thinking about it. You have two main options to spread out the pain.
Rent-to-Own (RTO)
Rent-to-Own or “RTO” is the best financing option for a carport. RTO companies usually approve anyone who can fog a mirror. No credit check. No income verification. You pay a deposit and make monthly payments until you own it outright.
Direct Benefits of Financing a Carport with Rent-to-Own:
- No credit check required
- Fast and easy approval
- Cheap monthly payments
- Small down payment to start
- Protect your vehicle right away
- End up with ownership
- Everyone gets approved
Traditional Financing
Traditional Financing
Metal America doesn’t offer financing directly. We work with third-party partners to help you find options that fit your situation.
Personal loans work well for carport projects. These are best if you have decent credit and want to move quickly. You get a lump sum payment that covers the entire purchase. Personal loans are ideal for projects between $20,000 and $150,000.
Home equity loans and HELOCs are solid choices if you own your home. A home equity loan gives you a fixed amount with predictable monthly payments. A HELOC works more like a credit card, where you draw funds as needed. Both options use your home’s value as collateral.
Local credit unions and banks often beat national lenders. They offer lower rates and personalized service. If you already bank locally, start there. They know you, and they’re more likely to work with your specific situation.
FAQ
Do I have to pay the full cost upfront?
No. You pay a deposit to order the carport. The deposit is usually ~20% of the total price. You pay the remaining balance upon installation. Some manufacturers require 50% down on orders over $25,000. If you finance through RTO, you pay the deposit plus the first month’s payment on installation day.
Our Building Specialists
Add up the real numbers before you start shopping. Take your carport price and add 50% for concrete and site prep. That’s your actual budget. If you can only afford $4,000 total, you’re looking at a $2,500 carport with a $1,500 concrete slab. If everything is too complicated, feel free to call us and speak with our expert building specialists to talk it through.
Read more about financing or anything you would like to know further about carports in The Complete Carport Guide.
Metal America sells carports in 42 states with delivery and installation included in the price. We work with multiple manufacturers to get you the best combination of price and lead time. Contact us to price out exactly what you need.